Transaminases and aminotransferases

Abstract

Thermostable transaminase and aminotransferase enzymes derived from various ammonifex, aquifex and pyrobaculum organisms are disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and other industries.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An isolated polynucleotide encoding an enzyme with aminotransferase activity selected from the group consisting of: a) a polynucleotide encoding any of SEQ ID Nos:25-32;   b) a polynucleotide encoding any of SEQ ID Nos:25-32 wherein T can also be U;   c) fragments of a) or b) that are at least 15 bases in length; or nucleic acid sequences fully complementary to a) and b).   
     
     
       2. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the polynucleotide is DNA. 
     
     
       3. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the polynucleotide is RNA. 
     
     
       4. The polynucleotides of claim 1 comprising the sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:17-24. 
     
     
       5. A vector comprising the DNA of claim 2. 
     
     
       6. A host cell comprising the vector of claim 5. 
     
     
       7. A nucleic acid probe consisting of an oligonucleotide from 15 to 50 nucleotides in length and having a nucleotide sequence that is fully complementary to a nucleic acid target region of a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of any of SEQ ID Nos:17-24. 
     
     
       8. The probe of claim 7, wherein the oligonucleotide is DNA. 
     
     
       9. The probe of claim 7, wherein the probe further comprises a detectable isotopic label. 
     
     
       10. The probe of claim 7, wherein the probe further comprises a detectable non-isotopic label selected from the group consisting of a fluorescent molecule, a chemiluminescent molecule, an enzyme, a cofactor, an enzyme substrate, and a hapten.